City Credit Union lives up to its name by serving through Buckner

City Credit Union is living up to its name by investing in its own community through Buckner International.

Last year, the credit union celebrated its 75th anniversary with a year of “random acts of kindness” encouraging members and associates throughout North Texas to give back to others.

“As we identified organizations to support, one of our board members, Larry McDaniel (who volunteers with Buckner) shared with us that Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® was trying to collect 5,000 pairs of shoes before April 2017,” said Sharon Moore, the credit union’s president and CEO. “So, we joined the cause and encouraged members and associates to help. We donated more than 200 shoes and socks to Shoes for Orphan Souls.

“Our experience working with [Buckner Vice President of Communications] Scott Collins and [Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls Director] Rachel Wallis was so positive – and they were so thankful – that we continued to help with back-to-school and toy drives last year, while also collecting for other charities. Plus, Buckner is right in our backyard. Our main branch and offices have been on Ferguson Road in East Dallas for more than 30 years.”

City Credit Union’s relationship with Buckner expanded this year. In March, it collected shoes and socks for Shoes for Orphan Souls again and raised $2,600 for the cause. Credit union leaders recently dropped off school supplies at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid that the branches collected in July. In September the credit union is hosting a food drive and a toy drive will be held in November for the children and families served by Buckner in North Texas.

"In an effort to continue connecting with our own community, we asked other partners of City Credit Union to also get involved with the shoe drives," Moore added. "As a result, The Ticket donated PSAs to promote the shoe drive on the radio and the Dallas Stars held a shoe drive before one of the games at American Airlines Center and donated half of the 50/50 raffle to Buckner. Some of the players also matched the donation which led to a total donation of $8,000."

Wallis is thankful for City Credit Union and the generosity of its members.

“City Credit Union has been an incredible partner for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls and Buckner as a whole,” she said. “They understand how wraparound services can serve both the physical and mental needs of a child, and they have worked with us on several projects to provide much needed shoes, supplies and toys to brighten our children’s lives.”

Wallis has witnessed how the credit union’s desire to help children in North Texas is an outpouring of who they are.

“I’ve also seen firsthand how kind and involved the City Credit Union team is as a whole,” she said. “They’ve personally come out to tour our warehouse and volunteer on the shoe program. It’s unique to have a place that is generous with both their time and their funds, and I’m so grateful that they’ve chosen to partner with Buckner.”

The credit union looks forward to continuing to serve the vulnerable through Buckner. Moore is amazed the impact a new pair of shoes or new school supplies can have in the hands of the organization.

“When we first started working with Buckner, we learned that Buckner collects only new shoes because new shoes that are all theirs really boosts a child’s self esteem,” Moore said. “Sometimes we think that the needy should be grateful for our used items – but think of what having something new does for your spirits and sense of worth. It's the same with school supplies. A sharp new pencil, a bright blue notebook and an unopened box of crayons can make a big difference in how a child embraces school and learning.”